Blog

I was recently commissioned to hand-paint a collection of vintage globes for PeaceLove's annual "Peace of Mind" awards. The awards were given to different organizations and individuals who are helping to change how people think about mental health. Painting the lettering on each globe was a treat, and I'm thankful to be working with such an amazing company.

Another in the series of Thankful Drawings, our little french press with hot coffee. I sometimes go to sleep thinking about the coffee I'll get to drink the next morning. My sweet husband (an early bird) gets up first each morning and makes coffee for me, while I (the night owl) slowly drag myself out of bed. So this coffee is a daily reminder of his love for me.

I had so much fun illustrating this piece for Leadership Rhode Island's state-wide Hi-Neighbor block party event! The poster was printed at 24"x36" so I spent a lot of time creating details that would show up well at a large scale.

The event is tonight, so if you're in Rhode Island stop by and enjoy! Info here.

I had the pleasure of creating the branding for PeaceLove's second annual Peace of Mind Speaker Series. The one-day storytelling event is all about sharing stories of creativity and mental health in an inviting and positive atmosphere. I used simple speech bubble shapes in an overlapping pattern to emphasize community & communication, and chose a color palette and textures that would tie in PeaceLove's artistic branding.

I am most definitely an introvert. While I love people and enjoy spending time with others, I find that social time can be incredibly draining, and that I need quiet time to stay balanced. In addition to my natural introversion, I've struggled with social anxiety for as long as I can remember, which can make interactions that seem simple to others really painful for me. When I was in high school I had such a difficult time even speaking in front of people that I would have to count down in my head from ten to force myself to say something. (And this wasn't even in front of the class, just the girl I carpooled with to school every day. "Here's the gas money." That's it.)

I was able to get help for my anxiety at the end of my senior year of high school. I took a medication that made my anxious feelings less intense, went to counseling, and ventured many leaps outside of my comfort zone. It's so much better now. When I look back, the things that really kept me going through the hardest times were my faith in Jesus and my art. Knowing that there was a story bigger than my difficult experiences, and being able to express myself and escape into my artwork... that was so incredibly life-giving.

So I'm thankful for the quiet escape that art was throughout my youth, and continues to be in this busy (but lovely) life of mine.